RUPERT Moon today blamed the pay-to-play culture at the grassroots of Welsh rugby for the demise of Abertillery Rugby Club, who have been forced to fold after 119 years in existence.

The former top-flight club has found it increasingly difficult to raise sides, and after fulfilling just two fixtures this season has withdrawn from the Lloyds TSB Welsh National League's Division Two East.

Moon, who started his Welsh career at Abertillery, has criticised other clubs in the lower leagues for paying players and forcing fellow teams out of business.

"I'm absolutely devastated that this can happen to a club like Abertillery," said Moon, who spent three seasons at Abertillery Park in the 1980s.

"I have a lot of time for the club. I was reborn at Abertillery, nurtured in Neath and had the finishing touches done at Llanelli.

"The problem is that players in the lower divisions are still receiving money and it seems people won't be happy until strictly amateur clubs like Abertillery and others disappear.

"It was instilled early in my career that you played for Abertillery for the love of the game.

"You can't blame the players in the lower leagues for getting paid but you can plead with the people with the money to invest in facilities and the future of the game."